By: Precious Miracle Kargbo
The President of the Republic of Sierra Leone Julius Maada Bio has maintained that the bravery and relentlessness who put their lives on the line for the peace of this nation will not go in vain as his Government will ensure that justice be served to their names and families.
He made this statement during the organized befitting state burial which took place at the Cockrill Military headquarters, Wilkinson road, Freetown. on December 6th 2023.
There was huge emotional outpour and mourning as all state, public, private and international partners all came together to witness the passing out of these brave gallant security personnel.
President Bio as the Special Guest of Honor made a resounding speech by urging the family members of the different families not only to mourn but to celebrate the lives of these brave men who protected democracy and the rule of law by standing steadfastly at the face of treachery and paying the ultimate sacrifice by standing fearlessly against the forces of anarchy and tyranny which came to threaten the land that we dearly loved.
He added that he is most saddened and outraged by the horrific and tragic way these men lose their lives, describing them as his brothers in service being some former military personnel, there is great pain when a member of a group is killed and he is certain that this is the same way all these soldiers, families and their parents are going through.
President Julius narrated that the act of these cowardice attackers is an attempt to betray the trust which security personnel and citizens share and to harm those who protect and serve the nation is an act of betrayal to the highest order. He assures that his mind cannot forget as his memory clanged to these heroes, vowing to everyone that their sacrifices will not go in vain, As the commander in chief and Head of state he assured everyone who has a hands in the November 26th attack that led to the death of these men will not escape the full weight of the law by pursuing justice for each one of them with relentless determination no matter how high the perpetrators may rank or how low they may stoop.
The chief of Defence, Lt- General Peter K Lavahun in his statement welcomed all members of the public and the families of the fallen heroes who were gathered to mourn and pay the utmost respect to comrades who has sacrificed their lives for the peace, security and stability for the country. He descried the attack on the armory at the Wilberforce barracks and joint logistics unit Murray town with aim of overthrowing the present democratic elected government, stating that the freedom everyone is enjoying now is not free but preserved by the lives of these soldiers who has made the sacrifice for peace. General Lavahun went on to render his extreme appreciation to these fifteen soldiers with duly promotion for their service to the nation.
However, the Inspector General of Police William Fayia Sellu describes the loss of these heroes as not only a loss to the families but the loss from all institutions as they have made significant contribution with their lives exhibiting passionately and praying for the faithful repose of their souls to God, restating the biblical scripture from the chief of Defence in Romans 14:8 which says if we live, we live for the lord, we die, we die for Lord, he ended by giving high ranking promotions to these fallen heroes.